Migrating The Family truckster E38 to ?

[RobZR]

Found a nice '10 535i Msport with full dealer service records and got some questions before I buy it. Looking for group input.

Car has 120K mi and full dealer service. 16k OCI, no trans fluid service,  brakes done, VC replaced, OFH leak fixed,  Expansion tank done,  Fuel and ignition system replaced, O2's replaced.

No record of repairs to water pump, turbos, or suspension, and has a light oil pan leak.

Should I use the needed service to negotiate a better deal or cut and run?

[wasnt m3]

Oil pan is no small task on that car, but I'm sure you know that. PM me if you need a carfax ran.

[RobZR]

I figure the oil pan gasket is a low $, high DIY scale item compared to other big ticket items on these.

The turbos and trans would be my big worries with the factory OCI's

[patsbimmer1]

RobZR said:

I figure the oil pan gasket is a low $, high DIY scale item compared to other big ticket items on these.

The turbos and trans would be my big worries with the factory OCI's

The turbo isn't an issue on these.  Even when neglected the single turbo on the n55 didn't develop the same issues as the twins on the n54.  Trans isn't an issue either.  There was a concern with the trans not staying in sport mode but it's easily fixed if you know how to solder.

[RobZR]

I thought E60's only got the N54. never seen one with a N55.

[patsbimmer1]

RobZR said:

I thought E60's only got the N54. never seen one with a N55.

You're right!  My fault, I was thinking it was an F10 not an E60.  In that case, your turbo's may be an issue at some point.  You could try and negotiate it but if they're not making any noise I don't know how many lot's are going to really make up the cost to repair in the sale price.  My comments about the trans remain the same.

[i_love_cars]

I hate cars in the mileage range you are looking at here. It is simply statistics that 120k miles on a 535 without any major stuff being broken/fixed yet is a significant risk for bigger repairs coming soon. Anything to the contrary said by anyone who talks about their personal experience with a small handful of cars is anecdotal at best. Many cars simply are at risk to start needing some bigger ticket items between 100-125k miles, give or take. To me it's worse with these later model vehicles because there is just more to go wrong over time as a result of ever-increasing features and tech. There is a reason that extended manufacturer warranties run out between 72k and 100k. The price on that car has got to be just absolutely dirt cheap and I still wouldn't touch it. 

And that's saying a lot coming from a guy who is about to spend $1600 to "proactively" replace rod bearings because he drives a car that is known to eat its own $15k engine.

[RobZR]

The 80-120k mi car market is the no go zone in my book.  The premium on cars under 100Kmi is almost 50% over those above 120k, and for that you get to repair all the parts that wear our from the 1st 100k of use.  The car in question has already incurred ~$8k of dealer service in the zone, yet by my estimate it still needs  ~$3k(dealer $) of immediate needs and additional $4k(dealer $) of proactive/ risk repairs.

  DIY allows me to bring all that down to a manageable $1500 part cost , rest is sweat equity. 

As most people would say " you have to be insane to own these out of warranty".  With DIY and group of friends stricken with the same disease we can make this work for ~25% of the MSRP

[jc43089]

I totally agree with the thought that paying a huge premium for one with slightly less miles is not a good deal.  I would rather get a car that needs some work for much cheaper than one that is pretty good now but you will be replacing all the same parts very soon anyway.

[RobZR]

The deal has been done and a shiny AW gadget chariot is in our driveway.  A separate intro is on the way.

[i_love_cars]

I am impressed that you had the diligence to wait for nearly a full year to the day to get the right car. This thread started last year in March LOL. Glad you found something.

[RobZR]

The list of requirements from the boss was extensive.